Status and Strategy in Russian Nuclear Policymaking

Prestige and strategic goals play a role in Russian nuclear policy. This paper seeks to understand when prestige or strategy is more important. I argue that Russia prioritizes strategic concerns when the strategic environment is more dangerous and prestige when it is safer. A leader's personality also plays an important role, with the influence of prestige increasing when leaders place a significant emphasis on status competition. Finally, I argue that strategic concerns play a greater role than prestige in nuclear policy when conditions favor each, but that prestige concerns can play a role in selecting competing policy options when multiple could address Russian security concerns. While this paper focuses on the nuclear politics of Russia and the Soviet Union, it can provide lessons that apply to a broader range of cases. Note: Future iterations will focus on nuclear modernization and force structure more broadly instead of just Russia